Include everyone

Play streets are not just for children and families.

They are a wonderful opportunity to grow a friendly, supportive inter-generational community. Some communities have even gone on to create permanent changes to their street or estate, such as traffic calming or a community garden.

Involve everyone from the very beginning of the process and in the sessions themselves. Encourage those without children to come out for a cup of tea and a chat, or to help with stewarding. Provide chairs for older neighbours and ask them to share their memories or games from childhood.

To make sure everyone feels included in your play street:

Contact the whole street/estate

When you are planning your play street, online tools are useful – but don’t forgot those who might not be digital. Delivering letters and door-knocking is a great way to meet neighbours and build relationships. Taking a friend or child with you can make it easier.

Use simple language and make clear that it is for everyone

Your invitation could say, “This is for everyone! Whether or not you have children, come out for a chat and a cuppa with neighbours – or help to steward the play street. Let us know if you need any help”.

Simple language is important – make sure what you’ve written could be understood by a 12 year old. If you are aware of people on your street who don’t speak English as their first language, we have translations of a basic leaflet into Arabic, Polish, Urdu and Bengali Sylheti – you can download them from this page. For any other languages, can you find someone to translate?

Listen to other people’s views

If people object or have concerns, let them express this and try to really hear what they are saying. Show that you care about their opinion and feelings – they live there too and have a right to express themselves. For some people the idea of change can be scary, but if they feel heard this can help to build trust. Try to reassure. Ask people to give it a try once and speak with them again after the first session. If they are still really against the idea, let them know calmly and clearly how they can communicate this to the council.

During the session, be friendly to neighbours passing through

If you see any neighbours walking home or driving off during the session, smile, wave or say hello. If they respond, invite them to join in and have a cuppa – if not this time then next time. Also remember not everyone wants to be social and that’s fine too!

Consider other activities

A specific reason to come out of the house can help if people are shy or unsure e.g. clothes/toy swaps, cake table, communal gardening. Keep it simple though – you may not have the energy to keep it up every time!